Report Investigation Reveals Mysteries of the Agnelli Art Collection

A Report investigation aired on October 15, 2023, uncovered discrepancies in the Agnelli art collection. Journalists interviewed lawyers Emanuele Gamma and Jean Patry, who revealed a declared list in Italy (including 5 Klimts) valued at $213 million but actually worth at least $600 million. An additional list of works abroad includes three Paul Klees, one Schiele, and one Picasso, bringing the total to around 600 works owned by Giovanni Agnelli and Marella Caracciolo. Further works photographed in Marella's book include a Bacon Pope III, a de Chirico Ettore e Andromaca, and a Picasso Arlecchino. The collection is allegedly hidden in freeports in Lugano, Geneva, Lausanne, Chiasso, and Liechtenstein. Margherita Agnelli has sued her three Elkann sons in Milan for hiding works by Monet, Balla, Sargent, Bacon, and Balthus. Vittorio Sgarbi, Undersecretary of Culture, stated the state cannot control everything, but Italian law imposes 2-5 years for damaging declared artworks. The Ministry of Culture's request to see the full list was opposed by the Elkann heirs at the TAR, citing privacy. The TAR of Lazio annulled the Ministry's request in December 2023. The collection includes works by Klee, Rothko, Bacon, Picasso, and David abroad, possibly violating export laws.